Reading Board Hires New Treasurer

During a special meeting on November 6, the Reading Board of Education approved Colette C. Lewis as the new Treasurer for the district effective January 1, 2018. She will replace Cary Furniss who will retire from Reading Schools effective December 31, 2017.

Lewis will begin employment with the district as Assistant Treasurer from November 27-December 31 to enable Mr. Furniss to assist with the transition.

Colette Lewis is no stranger to Reading Schools. She graduated from Reading High School in 2002. She currently works as Assistant to the Treasurer at Deer Park Community City School District. Prior to working in the Treasurer’s Office at Deer Park, she was an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent.

“I am very excited to be named the Reading Treasurer and look forward to carrying on the traditions that make Reading the wonderful community it is. I will continue to make sure that our students and staff have the resources they need to succeed,” Lewis said.

Lewis is a certified School Treasurer through the Ohio Department of Education. She also has 12 years of business experience in project management, marketing, business analyst, and operations. During her corporate career, she received customer service, consumer marketing, and leadership awards.

Lewis has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Thomas More College. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a member of Delta Mu Delta.

According to Reading Superintendent, Chuck LaFata, after a statewide search by K-12 Consulting an interview team composed of administrators, Board of Education members, teachers, parents, and community members were involved in the interview process. Candidates for the Reading Board of Education were also able to meet the two finalists and give their input.

“It was apparent that Colette has a strong desire to work in Reading because of her ties to the community. She is enthusiastic and a hard worker who comes highly recommended. I look forward to working with her,” said LaFata.